Melbourne father Mark Turner diagnosed with chondrosarcoma fundraising $20K

A very rare form of bone cancer has blinded a beloved father and musician, as family members scramble to raise a stack of cash which could pave the way to lifesaving treatment overseas.

Mark Turner wearing his eyepatch after his dangerous surgery earlier in the year in Melbourne. Picture: Contributed

A Bribie Island man has been blown away by support from the community for his nephew, whose rare form of bone cancer has blinded him in one eye — and only $20,000 will save him.

About $16,000 has been raised in a matter of days on GoFundMe, for Melbourne father-of-two Mark Turner, who was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma early this year.

Chondrosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, typically exists in patients’ arms, legs and feet but Mark’s is located behind his eye, which has shocked his doctors and specialists.

About three months ago Mark had an eight-hour surgery to remove 80 per cent of the aggressive cancer behind his eye — surgeons had to stop as any more removal would be too close to Mark’s brain.

Mark Turner wearing his eyepatch after his dangerous surgery earlier in the year in Melbourne. Picture: Contributed

Moving forward, Mark requires eight weeks of radiation treatment for his very rare cancer, which is only offered in the US and China.

Mark’s uncle, Bribie Island resident Mike Turner, was tasked to create a GoFundMe when the financial situation for Mark and his family became desperate.

So far more than $16,000 has been raised in three days towards a $20,000 goal, to help fund Mark and his family’s trip to the US for treatment.

“You don't think something will happen to a guy like him, the most loveable, likeable, caring person,” Mike said.

“It’s had a devastating effect on everybody.

“He was a healthy guy with nothing wrong with him.

“Then he had vision problems, the doctor forwarded him to a specialist for a biopsy, bang, came back with aggressive cancer.

Mark Turner after having surgery to remove 80 per cent of the cancer behind his eye. Picture: Contributed

“All we thought was ‘gee we’re gonna lose him’.”

Mike moved to Bribie Island two years ago and said Mark has had to use up all of his sick leave and holiday pay, to allow his family to stay afloat as the only breadwinner.

Wife Alisa, son Zeke, daughter Maizy and Mike have all been taken aback by the positivity and fighting spirit of Mark.

“He (Mark) asked me to start the GoFundMe, saying we’re getting a bit desperate,” Mike said.

“It would’ve been impossible to get $20,000 within the family.

Mark Turner with his son Zeke, wife Alisa and daughter Maizy. Picture: Contributed

“It’s all our friends, family and people who know him who have built it right up.

“It’s been astounding and we’re so thankful.

“We’re all very positive, nobody has mentioned the D word (death), we’re very confident he will beat it.

“Having confidence and a positive nature I think is helping him through this.

“As he’s thought about it and had treatment, he can see a way through this.”

It’s hoped the radiation treatment will knock the cancer on the head and Mark’s full eyesight will return, as he currently wears an eyepatch on the operated eye.

Mark Turner playing in the band (second from right) alongside uncle Mick (far left) cousin Paul and Ben. Picture: Contributed

“I love him, we all love him,” Mike said.

“He’s very family-orientated, does everything for his kids.

“He’s too young to go.”

Mark has a love for music and experience playing gigs as a one-man band and playing in other bands, along with a love for Mexican food.

You can donate to help fund Mark’s radiation treatment here.